Experiences

Music Review// Terry Malts - Nobody Realizes This is Nowhere

A big sound, a voice
that booms into the ears of the listener like some manic street performer and
if only every street performer was like Terry Malts! The cover of his recently
released album Nobody Realizes This is Nowhere says much and once you get to
the music it says even more.

The punk credentials
are on full display from the short and sweet guitar chord thumpers and although
it’s never something a reviewer wants to do too often we have to say that this
album is one that seriously verges close to perfection. We’re sure, judging by
the sentiments echoed semi-seriously on various songs here, that Mr Malts
would agree that perfection is a rarity and arguably the only complaint here is
that it ends just as you’re getting into it.

Anthemic and electric
are the key words here and while we’re at it we should say that this isn’t punk
as you might imagine it. There’s a sheen that doesn’t cross the fine line into disengaging
and stays authentic and the short nature of the songs is one of the key factors
here. They’re Feeding clocks in at just under two minutes and the battle
between chords and drums here propels you into the mix so easily you forget you’re
not in the room with them thrashing away.

Even the alarm clock
that opens the album feels like it is right next to your head before the drums
kick in for opener Two Faces. This is punk at its most engaging – a sound that
energises you into action but doesn’t try to rip your ears apart for no other
obvious reason than for the sake of it. It is rough edged, electric and above
all addictive. If the opening chords of the slamming anthem Human race don’t get
your feet tapping away you must have something wrong in the cerebral cortex!

But music like this
is best appreciated in your own time, over a good pair of head phones and a
very strong beverage. The playing is accomplished; the performances exacting
and the sense of humour viciously sharp. (“Motherfucking food eater!” on They’re
Feeding) This music is to be ignored at your peril – it’s an addictive listen
with chords that mesh with your inner taste maker and make you seriously want
to spread the punk gospel!